A Week at Gawler
Lewiston trainer Kevin Bewley has had a great week in racing at Gawler greyhounds, leading in six winners. At the Wednesday meeting, he was able to land five winners, and followed that up on Sunday night with another win.
That win came in race 4, which was a 400m event for Grade 6 greyhounds, Elsie’s Choice from box 1, was the early leader after jumping well, from Grit Blaster (4) and Magic Burner (8). Grit Blaster moved up on the outside Elsie’s Choice, and after a short tussle, got the upper hand over Elsie’s Choice. Grit Blaster was racing strongly and kept the pace on, to draw away and win comfortably with a good margin of nearly six lengths. Lenko Lass (2) ran on well for second spot for Bec McAuley-Fry of Lewiston and Elsie’s Choice was third for Kevin Bewley, giving Kevin first and third.
Grit Blaster is raced by the “Get To The Chomper” syndicate, managed by Rob Brown, and is named as a play on words from an Arnie Schwarzenegger film quote. This is the second syndicate that Rob has formed, with some of the first group also members of this one. Formed mainly from friends in an indoor cricket team, Rob had previously run a syndicate with a harness horse, but that had not been successful.
One of Rob’s criteria for the syndicate was that the greyhounds receive quality care, a condition that he was confident he would find within greyhound racing because of the procedures already in place. Looking for a trainer, it was suggested to Rob that Kevin might be a good fit for the syndicate, which has turned out to be the case. Their first runner was Night Glow, and buoyed by a bit of success there, added Grit Blaster to the new syndicate.
Grit Blaster was sourced by Kevin after having had a few starts in SA for its previous owner, and has now won four races with 15 placings from 43 starts, giving the syndicate plenty of interest. Rob commented that Grit Blaster is an excellent introduction to greyhound racing for them, and has given them the confidence to buy a young dog as well.
Rob and the syndicate enjoy the social side of the racing, with no huge expectations of financial rewards, while at the same time showing respect for the animal. Although Grit Blaster is a long way from retirement, Rob is happy to know that the Greyhounds As Pets program is in place to find him a good home when that does occur.
Racing is at Gawler every Wednesday afternoon and Sunday night, with the public welcome back on track. Sunday nights are very popular, so for a great night out, please book with the Club on 8522-2935.
Pictured: Back Reno, Todd, Rhea and Meri; Front; Rob, Kevin Bewley with Grit Blaster
Credit Kurt Donsberg Photography